TODDLER Evan Bates fell 15ft from a fire escape on to concrete and escaped with only cuts and bruises.

The two-year-old lay unconscious for 24 hours in intensive care as his parents kept a bedside vigil.

Just as doctors began to fear the worst, the youngster suddenly woke and asked for his blanket and some sweets.

Two days later, he was back home with only minor cuts and bruises.

His mother, Vicky, said: "I cannot describe how relieved we feel. It really is a miracle."

The drama unfolded after Evan wandered off from the front of his grandparents' home as he played with sisters Jordan, nine, Jessica, seven, brother Ethan, four, and neighbouring children.

He managed to clamber up the steps of a fire escape of a building 30 yards from their front door, but lost his footing and fell to the ground.

His grandfather, George Peden, of Eden Street, Bowburn, County Durham, picked up the unconscious youngster and drove him to the University Hospital of North Durham. His wife, Pauline, dialled 999 and police provided an escort for Mr Peden's car.

Evan was later transferred to the intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital.

As his parents, Vicky, 27, and Paul, 29, began to lose hope, Evan amazed doctors by suddenly coming round.

Two days later, he was back home in Park Hill, Coxhoe, County Durham.

Vicky said: "For 24 hours, we were sure we had lost him."